Become a Better Boater
Whether you want formal education in local classes or online, informal learning with an other skilled boaters, social events to enjoy boating activities, or participation in the boating community, you can learn, have fun, and feel more connected with the United States Power Squadrons®. Our local chapters, called squadrons, can help you get more out of boating.
Boating Education
USPS offers a comprehensive range of courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting and Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and much more. These courses are taught by experienced member instructors. Group instruction enhances the learning process and makes it more enjoyable too. Click here for more.
Boating and Social Activities
Participating both on-the-water and ashore with fellow members who are skilled in boating is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. On-the-water activities include cruises, rendezvous, sail races, navigation contests and fishing derbies. Activities ashore include meetings with marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips. Click here for why you should join USPS.
Public Service
Local USPS squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in our communities. Successfully completing a USPS boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states. These courses are open to the public. USPS has educated more than 3 million boaters to date. In a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, squadron members conduct courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners. Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections, and our local squadrons participate in many other community improvement projects.
What is USPS
USPS is a non profit, boating educational and social organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable. Our members are boaters and boating families who enjoy participating with fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS members have fun together, learn together, and boat together.
USPS has nearly 35,000 members organized into over 350 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.
